DUCKS -- HELP!

[jmarissa]

I have 2 Rouen duck eggs in a still air incubator. They began rocking on Tuesday night, so per the advice of some experienced duck hatchers, I immediately went into lockdown. Temperature is about 99 degrees, relative humidity is around 75. Today is Saturday and they're still rocking. Do I need to be concerned? This is my first time hatching eggs. I would really appreciate if someone could help me out. I'm in a bit of a panic!

 

[jmarissa]

Should I candle them even though I'm in lockdown?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

what day of incubation are you on?

 

[jmarissa]

That's the problem. I'm not exactly sure. My Rouen duck was sitting on a nest and long story short, I needed to remove the eggs. I candled them up until what I thought was 24 (judging by Metzers website). After candling them that night they started rocking. So I went into lockdown immediately. That was Tuesday night.

 

[dominicsaturday]

If they're anything like the ducklings of mine that are hatching right now, they will take a long time. From external pip to zip was nearly an entire day. Some might take a little longer. Have they pipped the eggshell yet?

 

[jmarissa]

Congrats on the hatch! That's so exciting.

My eggs have not pipped externally yet. Just occasionally rocking in the incubator.

 

[jmarissa]

Woke up this morning to find one of the eggs has pipped!!

 

[dominicsaturday]

Good luck!

They are going to make you a nervous wreck.

Ducks take a looooooong time to hatch!

 

[jmarissa]

Roughly how long should it take for them to hatch?

 

[dominicsaturday]

From pip to zip (when they actually break the entire shell not just crack it a little) it took most of my ducklings around 12-24 hours. It's tempting to think they need help, but just give them their time and they will be out and enjoying the world like mine are in no time.

Patience is key. Or ... at least it was for me!

Good luck!